Product Bulletin for Antique Crackle

Our ANTIQUE CRACKLE is a natural liquid gelatin. Using ANTIQUE CRACKLE is an easy way to achieve a weathered or “alligatored” look on furniture, picture frames, signs, etc. It is preferred by custom furniture builders, interior designers, artists, craftsmen, and do-it-yourselfers. It is biodegradeable and non-toxic, brushes on easily and dries to a clear satin finish.

APPLICATIONS

ANTIQUE CRACKLE can be used with either Milk Paint or some other water-based finishes. It is applied over a dried newly painted surface before the final coat and causes this final coat of paint to crackle. It can also be applied directly to clean surfaces such as bare wood, primed metal, glass, wallboard and previously painted or varnished surfaces. The final coat of Milk Paint is applied after the crackle is dry. It can also be used as a crackle “glaze”, creating a clear, crackled topcoat over bare wood or paint. For this effect a clear water-based finish such as our Clear Coat is applied over a layer of ANTIQUE CRACKLE.

ADVANTAGES

Works with either Milk Paint or some other water-based finishes

Adheres to most clean surfaces

Completely environmentally safe and non-toxic

Non-flammable

A variety of crackle effects can be achieved

No odor when dry

Easily cleaned up with water

Fast drying

Long shelf life

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Color: Light Camel; dries clear/satin

VOC’S: Maximum = 0.08 Lbs./Gal, 9.28 Grams/Liter

Consistency: Viscosity of syrup

Clean Up: Warm Water

Temperature: -30° F to +500° F

Drying Time: Approximately 2 to 3 hours

Combustibility: Non-combustible

Freeze/Thaw Stability: Excellent

Shelf Life: 1 to 2 years at room temperature. Indefinite, if refrigerated or frozen.

APPLICATION TECHNIQUES

Please Note: Decorative finishing is an art and not a science. Instructions for use are not precise due to the many variables, such as type of surface, temperature, humidity, personal taste, etc. However two rules should always be followed in the application of the ANTIQUE CRACKLE, or any other finish for that matter:

1}

Make sure the surface is perfectly clean.

2}

Always test ANTIQUE CRACKLE on a scrap piece of the same or similar material as the surface to be finished.

1}

Apply ANTIQUE CRACKLE in a generous even coat. If painting on vertical surfaces, you may need less to prevent sagging. A stiff brush is preferred.

2}

The ANTIQUE CRACKLE flows easiest at room temperature, or a bit warmer. If cold, the container of crackle medium may be placed in a tub of hot or warm water which may help it flow easier.

3}

After drying, flow the final coat of paint over the CRACKLE with full brush strokes in one direction. Use enough paint so you don’t have to go over the same area twice. This could disturb the crackles that form as the paint dries. If the paint is thin, crackles will be smaller. Thicker paint will make larger crackles. If the paint is too thick or thin, or if there is too much paint on the final coat, crackles may not appear at all. With a little testing and practice you can become proficient in a short amount of time.

4}

If the crackled surface will be exposed to any water spotting, the surface should be protected with a clear finish such as Watco oil, polyurethane, wax, or other non-water borne finish. Water could spoil the effect you have just created.